The Lagos State Consumer Protection Agency (LASCOPA) has warned operators of pepper and mill grinding machines against the use of rusty, corroded and poorly fabricated equipment, as such practices could contaminate food and endanger consumers.
The Agency urged operators across Lagos State to replace traditional cast-iron and unsuitable locally fabricated machines with stainless-steel and other appropriate food-grade equipment.
The General Manager/Chief Executive Officer of LASCOPA, Afolabi Solebo, Esq., gave the warning following concerns raised at the Lagos State Food Safety Conference and Exhibition 2026, held under the theme, “From Burden to Solutions – Safe Food Everywhere.”
Solebo said the widespread use of pepper and mill grinding machines by households, food vendors, restaurants, hospitals, boarding schools, caterers, traders and small-scale food businesses made adherence to basic food-safety standards imperative.
He explained that worn, rusty or corroded grinding equipment could increase the risk of metal contamination, while accumulated food residues, dirt and grease from previous grinding activities could also compromise food safety and quality.
The General Manager/CEO disclosed that the Agency’s Monitoring and Enforcement Officers would intensify compliance checks at food-processing and grinding points across the State, with appropriate regulatory action to be taken against establishments found using unsafe or unsuitable equipment.
He advised operators to clean machines thoroughly after every use, remove food residues, maintain hygienic surroundings and ensure that grinding components are regularly inspected and properly maintained to prevent contamination and cross-contamination.
Solebo also urged consumers to be vigilant when patronising grinding points, advising them to avoid locations where equipment is visibly deteriorated or unhygienic. He appealed to politicians and other public-spirited individuals providing grinding machines as empowerment initiatives to prioritise stainless-steel and food-grade equipment.
He emphasised that consumer protection is a shared responsibility and assured Lagosians that LASCOPA would continue consumer enlightenment, market surveillance and enforcement activities to protect the health, safety and economic interests of residents.
The General Manager urged members of the public to report unsafe or unhygienic food-processing practices to LASCOPA for investigation and appropriate action, stressing that consumers should not remain silent when practices capable of compromising their safety are observed.
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